slightly sharp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly sharp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a taste, sound, or sensation that is somewhat intense or piercing but not overwhelmingly so. Example: "The cheese had a slightly sharp flavor that complemented the wine perfectly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Thin, slightly sharp and...weedy...weedy

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Dill has a warm, slightly sharp flavour somewhat reminiscent of caraway.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Caraway has a distinctive aroma reminiscent of anise and a warm, slightly sharp taste.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though streaked with blue, pungent and slightly sharp, the golden cheese is richly buttery to boot, with a moist, pressed curd that makes it slightly crumbly.

The New York Times - Food

I have taken to eating my passion fruit with a soft, slightly sharp mixture of crème fraîche and natural yogurt dusted with coconut palm sugar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Where the Z had slightly sharp sides, the Z1 boasts chamfered edges that are smooth and comfortable, disguising the bigger dimensions: this phone doesn't seem significantly bigger and in fact feels better in the hand.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

WITHIN a few days the future of Google has come into slightly sharper focus.

The Economist

Laser surgery left the bioethicist Buchanan with slightly sharper than normal vision.

The New York Times - Books

"The real-life Kim has slightly sharper edges than her celebrity character," Weaver writes.

The New Yorker

Occasionally it needs slightly sharper editing, but it's an entertaining listen.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Volkswagen will be showing a mildly revised version of its small Tiguan sports-utility vehicle (SUV) with slightly sharper styling.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing flavors, use "slightly sharp" to indicate a pleasant, noticeable tang without being overpowering. For example, "The cheese had a slightly sharp taste that complemented the wine".

Common error

Avoid using "slightly sharp" excessively in formal or academic writing where a more precise or technical term might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "mildly acidic" or "subtly pungent" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

Function: "Slightly sharp" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI indicates it is used to describe a quality, such as taste, sound, or visual feature, that has a mild intensity or pointedness. It quantifies the degree of sharpness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly sharp" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe qualities with a mild intensity or pointedness. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for describing tastes, sounds, or visual characteristics. While commonly used in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts, it maintains a generally neutral register. When writing, ensure that "slightly sharp" accurately conveys the intended subtlety; in more technical contexts, consider using more precise alternatives. By avoiding overuse and understanding the contexts in which it thrives, you can effectively incorporate "slightly sharp" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat acute

Replaces "sharp" with "acute" and "slightly" with "somewhat", maintaining the sense of mild intensity.

mildly intense

Substitutes both "slightly" and "sharp" with synonyms conveying a similar degree of intensity.

a touch pointed

Replaces "sharp" with "pointed" and adjusts the intensity using "a touch", altering the phrasing.

somewhat biting

Replaces "sharp" with "biting" to suggest a more negative or critical edge, while maintaining a mild intensity.

faintly acrid

Substitutes "sharp" with "acrid", indicating a pungent or bitter quality, and "slightly" with "faintly".

subtly piquant

Replaces "sharp" with "piquant" suggesting a stimulating or pleasantly sharp flavor, using "subtly" to indicate the degree.

gently cutting

Replaces "sharp" with "cutting", implying a mild, incisive quality.

a shade keen

Uses "keen" instead of "sharp" to suggest eagerness or intensity, softened by "a shade".

barely edged

Employs "edged" to indicate a slight sharpness or intensity, moderated by "barely".

a hint of sting

Replaces "sharp" with "sting" and employs "a hint of" to soften the impact, creating a gentler expression.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly sharp" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly sharp" to describe tastes, sounds, or even visual features. For instance, "The lemon vinaigrette had a slightly sharp flavor" or "The angle of the roof was slightly sharp, giving the house a modern look".

What's a good alternative to "slightly sharp" when describing taste?

Alternatives include "mildly tangy", "somewhat acidic", or "subtly piquant". The best choice depends on the specific flavor you're describing.

Is it correct to say something is "a bit sharp" instead of "slightly sharp"?

Yes, "a bit sharp" is a perfectly acceptable alternative, especially in informal contexts. Both phrases convey a similar meaning, indicating a mild degree of sharpness.

In what contexts is it best to avoid the phrase "slightly sharp"?

While versatile, "slightly sharp" might be too vague in technical or scientific writing. In those contexts, a more precise term like "mildly acidic" (for pH) or "somewhat acute" (for angles) could be more appropriate.